Fingerprint or imprint that we left behind? From the desert, where there was nothing, his passionate vision created skyscrapers that began to grow. Echoing his achievement using dimensional techniques, mosaic fragments (tesserae), rise up as towers to the sky, surrounded by the rough desert surface. Dynamic mosaic lines in black and white paths lead us into the desert itself. Looking from different angles, changing light and shadows play musically upon the three dimensions of Sheikh Zayed Fingerprint like the gliding shadows one experiences in his city throughout the day, constantly drawing new rhythms, patterns and relationships while creating a synthesis of time and space. Sheikh Zayed Fingerprint, mosaic artwork, was presented at exhibition Sheikh Zayed and Europe: A journey at the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Mausoleum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

On a seemingly empty surface the special dynamics of life and spirit is born. Taking the time to observe it closely, we realize all the depths and reflections of an unknown landscape offering us an opportunity to discover its essence, history and energies beneath and beyond. The Heart of the Desert was created for the Saudi’s during the World’s Largest Artist Residency (2019), the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, in concurrence with the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. Aljaž was honored to represent Slovenia in this group of 43 artists from 31 countries.

Takeoff is composed of found objects - the remains of various types of marble, glass from the beach, hardened clumps of tar, metal, shingles of ceramics. All pieces lived a previous life and come together to sing a new song. Symbolizing humanity, the completed composition is 200 segments; all of the same voice they can stand as an individual object that functions singularly or in groups. They embody the concept that as individuals we can create a better world when we are participate in cooperative thinking. Artwork Takeoff invites us to place selected pieces in our homes where, everyday, it will be a reminder of our place in the world and our opportunity to push forward towards a kinder evolution. As this modular piece gradually loses segments, Artist Aljaž replaces with new unique creations. In this way the composition of Takeoff is gradually being organically transformed; yet its original message always remains as encouragement towards a better tomorrow.

This imagery explores the dynamics of space and time in the urban landscape. The image of birds on electric wires, take up the entire representational form of the mosaic that gradually approaches the detail focusing on to the texture of the bird’s feathers. The unworked area around the mosaic creates contrast to the fullness of the mosaic surface creating dynamic balance in the composition.

Divided, symbolizes the ending of one period before something new can begin. A crack opens the surface while an anthracite color playfully connects with dark gaps between bright vertical mosaic lines, filled with colors and textures. This early work begins the flirtation with three-dimensional structures, which later become a recognizable aspect of Aljaž’s personal artistic language.

In these artworks you can admire desert rose crystal, sand from the Liwa desert and locally collected materials, combined with traditional mosaic materials. Three-dimensional surfaces are flowing through the piece at different levels, building soft lines, symbolizing the rhythm of desert dunes and the ever changing textures drowned by desert wind. This artwork series was created during an ART HUB residency in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and was presented there during a solo exhibition.

The other worldly, atmospheric, golden desert of Liwa, in the United Arab Emirates, is the inspiration for 24 mosaic works. These three-dimensional works play with the light and shadows, constantly offering different sensitive evocations like those found in the desert sands of Liwa. This artwork was created during an ART HUB residency in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and was presented as an artistic response to the environment during a solo exhibition.

Shape elevates from two dimensions into a space where it lives in its curviness. The geometry of the pattern is distorted by the surface waves and the artwork skillfully escapes all views from the observer. Over the course of the day, the colors and textures constantly change and the mosaic lives in its own unique space and time.

This very large piece holds court in a pleasant restaurant in the center of Ljubljana. Flooded in soft curves and textures, the interior design’s palette and design are informed by this pivotal mosaic work. The interweaving of color lines made by different materials develops its story. It all starts and ends in the very spiritual center of the mosaic work harboring the powerful crystal azurite, known to empower the soul’s desire, enhance creativity and inner wisdom.But, sometimes words are superfluous and we must let the tesserae speak to you itself.

The mosaic, from the original Semetic and Greek inspirations, are perfected in ancient Rome; the shape of the amphora from the same time in Carlina and Acaulis are, together with this modern interpretation, contemporary art pieces. Natural materials with hand-cooked Venetian glass and ceramics blend into the living 3D structure. Mosaic fragments extending into space creates dynamic jazz textures, while bright and dark lines give energetic vibrations.